Tips, News and Information for Traveling the World

Monthly Archives: November 2013

Hawaii is known for being one of the best beach destinations in the world. If you are looking for the ultimate island getaway, then this is the place to be in. After all, Hawaii offers more than just a fleet of islands that you can swim, surf, and frolic at. In fact, some people even find the place as their second home.

So what are the things you should not miss out on when you travel to Hawaii? Below are a few top choices:

1. Get inked.

Tattooing is a major part of the Polynesian culture, and it is very common to find people having a new tattoo or two in Hawaii. If you intend go on a vacation in the islands, then you shouldn’t miss out on getting a new artwork right on your skin.

A lot of tattoo artists are based in Hawaii, and most of them have a deeper attachment to the craft mainly because of their culture. You can get a tattoo that has a significance in your life, and not just another cute ink art that you’d regret having after a few months or so.

2. Go volcano hopping.

Hawaii is not only famous for its beaches, but also for its volcanoes. There are a lot of volcanoes in the islands, and a park is also dedicated to these sizzling land formations.

When you travel to Hawaii, do not forget to drop by the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which is situated in Hawaii County. This park encompasses two active volcanoes, the Mauna Loa and the Kilauea. These volcanoes are very active, you can even see them spit fire from the crater every once in a while.

In the park you will also stumble upon the Chain of Craters Road, where you get to pass by several craters that were formed during the volcanoes’ previous eruptions.

3. Surf in Waikiki.

Surfing is one of the most common pastimes in Hawaii, thanks to its fabulous beaches and coastal areas. And yes, in the island of Oahu, the waves are just so big they are perfect for surfing.

If you are going to travel to Hawaii to surf, then you may want to head to Waikiki. This beach is known for its big waves, and a lot of surfing schools are situated in the area for those who want to learn the sport. It is also home to various surfing competitions, both local and international, and this is something you should take advantage of.

4. Get married!

Are you going to travel to Hawaii with your significant other? Well, given its romantic beach views, Hawaii proves to be one of the best locations for a beach wedding! You can get married under traditional Polynesian rites, or have a quiet ceremony by the beach. You can also renew your vows in any of the islands, or treat the vacation as a second honeymoon.

Getting married in Hawaii isn’t really that expensive, unless of course you’re going to invite your whole brood. But yes, if you intend to elope and get hitched just like they do in the movies, then this is the place to go.

Brunei is one of the richest, albeit the smallest countries in the world. Situated in Malaysia, it is home to Sultans and just about everything gold, making it a great tourist destination. But like any other country, Brunei has its own unique means and ways for tourists, and these help them survive the new environment.

If you are planning to travel to Brunei sometime in the future, then perhaps these street smart tips would make your holiday more enjoyable:

1. Sleeping at the airport

It is common for travelers of all walks of life to sleep in Brunei’s airports. This is because most of the incoming international flights arrive at around 1 in the morning, making the travel to the hotel difficult.

But don’t worry, though. The seats at the Brunei airport are clean, furnished, and comfortable. You can enjoy a good nap while waiting for the morning to come.

2. Shops open and close early

To avid shoppers, you must be reminded that most shops and stores in Brunei open early, at around 7:45 in the morning. At the same time, they close early too. You may want to do most of your shopping chores during the day so that you won’t have to chase for an open store as evening arrives.

3. Not much to see in Bandar Seri Begawan

If you are going to travel to Brunei, you will sure be spending most of your days at the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan. While the city offers a lot of architectural highlights, there’s not much to see here. You can visit the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Kampung Ayer, Brunei Museum, and the Jame’ Asri Sultain Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque. If there’s any consolation, admission to these attractions is free.

Considered to be a hidden paradise in the Himalayas, it is only recently when vacationers have thought of visiting Sikkim. Like many of its neighbors, Sikkim is landlocked and surrounded by mountains, making it quite difficult to check out.

But to those who are into going on an adventure, then it would be a great deal to travel to Sikkim. However, you have to keep in mind that Sikkim has maintained its lush setting that’s relatively untouched by the modern world.

Among the things to expect when going to Sikkim are:

1. No deluxe hotels. There are no 5-stay hotels in Sikkim, given its topographic conditions. But if there’s one thing you can expect, there is a growing number of tourist lodges and resorts being established in the main cities, such as Lachung, Darjeeling, and Gangtok. You can still enjoy a comfortable stay while in the country.

2. Prepare to be acclimatized. If you’re not the athletic type of person, then you may suffer from mild discomfort upon your arrival in Sikkim. This is because the country is situated in high altitudes, and it does take time before your body adjusts to the new environment. It is common to suffer from headaches, dizziness, and other types of discomfort upon reaching Sikkim.

3. Be ready to trek. Yes, given its topography and climate, Sikkim proves to be a perfect alternative to ski destinations such as the Alps. You just have to be up for a more strenuous adventure both physically and mentally. After all, trekking the mountains is all you have to do when you travel to Sikkim.